Society for the Promotion of Culture and Art

SPOCA Bangladesh

IPC*, IEC@BNU** and IAM@BUST*** have been involved in the past with housing concepts in extreme environmental and climactic conditions. The use of clay in arid zones appears to be of advantage due to national, economic, technological as well as construction-biological reasons. The retention of moisture is of utmost importance and clears the way for application even in moderate climate.

The need for creativity arises wherever suitable material for housing is not available. This is also the reason, that so called Slums must also be treated with respect, because they hide considerable creative potential.
It is very important to choose the right construction material in regions, which are prone to cyclones, hot and humid climate, sea-water flooding and seasonal flooding from mountainous regions. Mud as construction material is unsuitable here. If cement is added to mud in order to achieve better strength and weather independence, its advantages as construction material are considerably reduced, especially due to the heating up f the material.

The difference in water level in normal status and flood status is huge, so that housing done on plain ground is very much in danger. In some regions, steel platforms have been used, on top of which people establish their housing. This solution however must be appropriate to the local climate and must allow maximum utilization of local materials.

A special material-mix is to be tested: A pipe construction, connected with ropes, in which plants of the region have been integrated. These offer protection from the sun light and still allow air ventilation from the sides. In case of seasonal disasters, the biological material is destroyed, however living aids are not destroyed and the human beings have a structure to hold on to. Many people have been swept into the sea and lost their lives in the past due to the absence of such a hold.

The question of technical stability is of less importance here. Biological experiments are required to test the use of plants. Experiences are to be gathered regarding insects and reptiles on the one hand and suitable plants on the other hand before such solutions can be offered or implemented on a large scale.

The illustrated form of housing as compared to tent constructions has the advantage of high acceptance due to the use of local biological materials, which grows further and corresponds to the local tradition.